Australia's largest human rights organisation supporting people seeking asylum.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead ASRC's legal practice and access to justice for asylum seekers & refugees
* Suits a leadership background within refugee, immigration, administrative law
The Organisation
For over 23 years, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has been providing support and advocating for the human rights of people seeking asylum, independent from any Federal government funding. Alongside refugees, the ASRC advocates for law reform and policy change, and provides programs to support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social wellbeing.
The Human Rights Law Program (HRLP)
The HRLP, an accredited Community Legal Centre within the ASRC, delivers expert, trauma-informed legal services to refugees and people seeking asylum facing significant barriers in accessing justice during the complex and lengthy refugee determination process. The HRLP represents people in the community in Victoria and in detention nationally and offshore services include referrals, advice, clinics (including a gender clinic), and full representation throughout the refugee status determination process.
Benefits & Culture
* Above award salary with tax effective packaging
* Flexible working arrangements
* A range of additional leave offerings
* Free onsite car and bicycle parking, close to public transport
* An energetic, committed and supportive team-oriented work environment
The Role
Reporting to the Deputy CEO, you will lead and manage the ASRC's legal practice, ensuring alignment with the organisation's strategic goals. This includes collaborating with leadership, media, and advocacy teams to shape HRLP strategy and drive systemic change.
With overall responsibility for the legal service, you'll manage risk, compliance, and reputation, while championing the delivery of innovative, trauma-informed, human rights based legal support. You'll also mentor a high-performing team of staff and volunteers providing critical legal advice and assistance to thousands of people seeking asylum annually.
You will:
* Ensure high quality legal services across the HRLP, provide supervision and technical advice
* Manage a small caseload of matters and oversee complex casework
* Develop and manage relationships and partnerships with key HRLP stakeholders internally and externally
* Act as a spokesperson and represent the HRLP in media, government and community forums
* Empower your team and champion wellbeing
* Drive and coordinate HRLP law reform agenda, including litigation
Skills Required
You're a confident and agile leader with strategic and operational management experience and expertise in refugee, immigration, or administrative law. Your background may include community legal, government, or you have relevant experience from private practice. Skilled in working inclusively with diverse groups, you excel at leading critical programs and managing risk and compliance.
You understand the challenges faced by asylum seekers and the refugee community and bring:
* Eligibility to hold an unrestricted legal practicing certificate
* Experience managing a team of legal practitioners and overseeing complex casework
* High level stakeholder relations and media engagement skills
* Demonstrated advocacy before administrative decision makers and/or courts
* Commitment to trauma-informed practice and self-care practices
* Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable.
This role requires a unique blend of leadership, legal, and advocacy skills. If you are passionate about supporting people seeking asylum and have the required skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.